If you are a new listener to the Laughter Research Podcast, you might like to check out the previous interview HERE. Evan has been the lead investigator on a study which has been examining various aspects of infant development. Needless to say, of particular interest to me is the laughter aspect of the research.

Evan sought to uncover the extent of contagiousness of positive emotions in infants, with a particular focus upon laughter. You might be very surprised by the findings, but you'll have to listen in to find out more on that.

We discuss the challenges and joys of working with infants in research and we discuss the future directions for research in the arena of contagious laughter. We also ponder the possibility of Evan earning an Oscar for her thank you 'Shout Out' at the end of the podcast.

During the conversation I mention an excellent book by Robert Provine. Check it out on Amazon. It's well worth picking up.

We also mention the innate aspect of laughter and discuss how infants who are born deaf and blind will develop laughter around the same stage of development as typical children.

A couple of interesting papers related to this topic:

No. 1 relates to the acoustic profile of laughter in congenitally deaf people:

In this paper the authors attribute some acoustic variation between the laughter of hearing people and deaf people as being "Due to a combination of the physiological and social factors that routinely affect profoundly deaf individuals, including low overall rates of vocal fold use and pressure from the hearing world to suppress spontaneous vocalizations." - In other words, invisible social rules influence how and when people laugh.

"Deaf individuals report experiencing social pressure to suppress spontaneous vocalizations, as these can be uncomfortably loud for the hearing (Leder and Spitzer, 1993)."

This paper is particularly relevant as it shows us how laughter is fluidly incorporated into more complex cognitive interactions and it indicates that the appropriate timing of 'conversational' laughter is a learned skill.

]]>Today's podcast - released on none other than International Podcast Day...yes, it's a thing...is a follow up interview with Evan Jordan of Oklahoma State University.

If you are a new listener to the Laughter Research Podcast, you might like to check out the previous interview HERE. Evan has been the lead investigator on a study which has been examining various aspects of infant development. Needless to say, of particular interest to me is the laughter aspect of the research.

Evan sought to uncover the extent of contagiousness of positive emotions in infants, with a particular focus upon laughter. You might be very surprised by the findings, but you'll have to listen in to find out more on that.

We discuss the challenges and joys of working with infants in research and we discuss the future directions for research in the arena of contagious laughter. We also ponder the possibility of Evan earning an Oscar for her thank you 'Shout Out' at the end of the podcast.

During the conversation I mention an excellent book by Robert Provine. Check it out on Amazon. It's well worth picking up.

We also mention the innate aspect of laughter and discuss how infants who are born deaf and blind will develop laughter around the same stage of development as typical children.

A couple of interesting papers related to this topic:

No. 1 relates to the acoustic profile of laughter in congenitally deaf people:

In this paper the authors attribute some acoustic variation between the laughter of hearing people and deaf people as being "Due to a combination of the physiological and social factors that routinely affect profoundly deaf individuals, including low overall rates of vocal fold use and pressure from the hearing world to suppress spontaneous vocalizations." - In other words, invisible social rules influence how and when people laugh.

"Deaf individuals report experiencing social pressure to suppress spontaneous vocalizations, as these can be uncomfortably loud for the hearing (Leder and Spitzer, 1993)."

This paper is particularly relevant as it shows us how laughter is fluidly incorporated into more complex cognitive interactions and it indicates that the appropriate timing of 'conversational' laughter is a learned skill.

]]>44:32no15: From Businessman to 'Laughing Man' - Merv NealThu, 15 Sep 2016 10:28:24 +0000My guest in podcast episode #15 is Merv Neal. Merv has a lengthy background in business, but a life threatening challenge to his health instigated a transformation in his approach to life. His goals switched from making money to improving the health of others and himself through the use of laughter.

In this episode we explore Merv’s journey from Merv the businessman to Merv the Laughing Man and we learn about Merv’s involvement in medical and psychological research which involved laughter therapy. We also talk about the attitude to laughter in the business world and how Merv overcomes the challenge of turning serious business people from positions of adamant resistance to willing participation in his laughter sessions.

]]>My guest in podcast episode #15 is Merv Neal. Merv has a lengthy background in business, but a life threatening challenge to his health instigated a transformation in his approach to life. His goals switched from making money to improving the health of others and himself through the use of laughter.

In this episode we explore Merv’s journey from Merv the businessman to Merv the Laughing Man and we learn about Merv’s involvement in medical and psychological research which involved laughter therapy. We also talk about the attitude to laughter in the business world and how Merv overcomes the challenge of turning serious business people from positions of adamant resistance to willing participation in his laughter sessions.

]]>01:00:06no14: Podcast plans for the coming monthsFri, 17 Jul 2015 13:24:59 +0000In this episode I set out my plans for the Laughter Research podcast for the rest of 2015 and I make a recommendation for an excellent psychology podcast - The Psych Files by Michael Britt.]]>In this episode I set out my plans for the Laughter Research podcast for the rest of 2015 and I make a recommendation for an excellent psychology podcast - The Psych Files by Michael Britt.]]>08:31clean13: Contagious Laughter in Infants with Evan JordanThu, 23 Apr 2015 15:34:39 +0000Today I speak with Evan Jordan of Oklahoma State University in the U.S. about her research in to the contagiousness of positive emotions in infants, through the use of infant laughter as a stimulus.

If you would like to hear about how psychologists get babies to laugh and why it is that they want them to laugh, then you'll find this episode to be fascinating.

Enjoy,

Glen.

Don't forget to check out the Laughter Store at www.laughterresearch.com

]]>Today I speak with Evan Jordan of Oklahoma State University in the U.S. about her research in to the contagiousness of positive emotions in infants, through the use of infant laughter as a stimulus.

If you would like to hear about how psychologists get babies to laugh and why it is that they want them to laugh, then you'll find this episode to be fascinating.

Enjoy,

Glen.

Don't forget to check out the Laughter Store at www.laughterresearch.com

While the main focus of her research is the neurobiology of speech perception, her work also includes the study of the neuroscience of laughter. She also dabbles in stand-up comedy.

Sophie believes that laughter is one of the most complex and nuanced things that we do. She feels that we should take laughter more seriously, both in terms of science, but also in terms of our experience, because very often, our laughter is telling us a lot more about how we feel about people we are laughing with than we might typically acknowledge to ourselves.

In this episode we discuss the evolutionary basis for laughter, social differences in comedy appreciation, the neurology & physiology of laughter, how science is beginning to take laughter more seriously and a host of other topics in between.

]]>Professor Sophie Scott is the deputy director for the Institute of Cognitive Neuroscience in UCL (University College London).

While the main focus of her research is the neurobiology of speech perception, her work also includes the study of the neuroscience of laughter. She also dabbles in stand-up comedy.

Sophie believes that laughter is one of the most complex and nuanced things that we do. She feels that we should take laughter more seriously, both in terms of science, but also in terms of our experience, because very often, our laughter is telling us a lot more about how we feel about people we are laughing with than we might typically acknowledge to ourselves.

In this episode we discuss the evolutionary basis for laughter, social differences in comedy appreciation, the neurology & physiology of laughter, how science is beginning to take laughter more seriously and a host of other topics in between.

]]>35:54clean11: Ridicule & Laughter with Prof. Michael BilligThu, 05 Mar 2015 12:09:07 +0000 The main focus of my conversation with Prof. Billig was the topic of his book Laughter and Ridicule: Towards a Social Critique of Humour (Published in association with Theory, Culture & Society) in which he explores the important role which ridicule and laughter play in shaping social behaviours. In his book, Michael takes a critical approach to the topics of laughter and humour and he questions the common assumptions which are made, in particular by popular and academic psychology.

]]> The main focus of my conversation with Prof. Billig was the topic of his book Laughter and Ridicule: Towards a Social Critique of Humour (Published in association with Theory, Culture & Society) in which he explores the important role which ridicule and laughter play in shaping social behaviours. In his book, Michael takes a critical approach to the topics of laughter and humour and he questions the common assumptions which are made, in particular by popular and academic psychology.

]]>39:00clean10: Comedian & 'Yummy Daddy' - Steve CumminsThu, 12 Feb 2015 16:44:50 +0000 Steve Cummins is an author, a broadcaster, a stand-up comedian, as well as being the resident host in the Laughter Lounge, Dublin's premier comedy venue. In this podcast episode (which was recorded in my kitchen - hence the echo) myself and Steve chat about his relationship with laughter and comedy and Steve proves that he can hold a conversation without cursing...much.]]> Steve Cummins is an author, a broadcaster, a stand-up comedian, as well as being the resident host in the Laughter Lounge, Dublin's premier comedy venue. In this podcast episode (which was recorded in my kitchen - hence the echo) myself and Steve chat about his relationship with laughter and comedy and Steve proves that he can hold a conversation without cursing...much.]]>51:35no9: Laughter integration with work - Susan CrossTue, 20 Jan 2015 16:58:30 +0000Susan Cross is a director of and a partner in a company called TellTale. TellTale is a company which helps the management and staff of cultural and heritage sites to create days out, which visitors to the sites will remember and want to return to.

Susan's consultancy, mentoring and advisory service in this area has resulted in her becoming one of the best known specialist in the field of enhanced visitor experience in the U.K. as well as in Ireland. Susan's extensive experience has resulted in her having a keen eye for the critical factors which make visits to heritage sites memorable and enjoyable experiences.

One of those factors happens to be laughter. Susan has blogged on the effective use of laughter in enhancing customer experiences and she shares her knowledge with me in today's episode.

]]>Susan Cross is a director of and a partner in a company called TellTale. TellTale is a company which helps the management and staff of cultural and heritage sites to create days out, which visitors to the sites will remember and want to return to.

Susan's consultancy, mentoring and advisory service in this area has resulted in her becoming one of the best known specialist in the field of enhanced visitor experience in the U.K. as well as in Ireland. Susan's extensive experience has resulted in her having a keen eye for the critical factors which make visits to heritage sites memorable and enjoyable experiences.

One of those factors happens to be laughter. Susan has blogged on the effective use of laughter in enhancing customer experiences and she shares her knowledge with me in today's episode.

]]>26:13clean8: Laughologist - Albert NerenbergWed, 17 Dec 2014 17:11:35 +0000Albert Nerenberg, director of the documentary 'Laughology' is today's guest. Since the Laughology movie, which is the main topic of discussion in today’s episode, Albert has continued to embrace laughter and he is regular international speaker and presenter on the topic of laughter. So, enjoy the episode and please remember to comment on the shownotes page, which can be found at laughterresearch.com/laughologist]]>Albert Nerenberg, director of the documentary 'Laughology' is today's guest. Since the Laughology movie, which is the main topic of discussion in today’s episode, Albert has continued to embrace laughter and he is regular international speaker and presenter on the topic of laughter. So, enjoy the episode and please remember to comment on the shownotes page, which can be found at laughterresearch.com/laughologist]]>40:01clean7: Laughter Yoga: The Trouble with ResearchTue, 09 Dec 2014 11:51:35 +0000Laughter Yoga is a very interesting phenomenon from a scientific perspective, because it’s so challenging to study in a rigorous way. There are various reasons for this, which I get into in greater detail in this episode. I also delve into some of the existing research on the subject and I ask, to what extent is the laughter aspect of Laughter Yoga the primary factor in promoting changes in people's well-being, when compared to 'non-laughter' exercise programmes?]]>Laughter Yoga is a very interesting phenomenon from a scientific perspective, because it’s so challenging to study in a rigorous way. There are various reasons for this, which I get into in greater detail in this episode. I also delve into some of the existing research on the subject and I ask, to what extent is the laughter aspect of Laughter Yoga the primary factor in promoting changes in people's well-being, when compared to 'non-laughter' exercise programmes?]]>24:46no6: Clean Comedy with Daniel J LewisTue, 02 Dec 2014 12:00:00 +0000Daniel J Lewis is the host of 'The Ramen Noodle - Clean Comedy Podcast', in addition to being the host of the award winning show 'The Audacity to Podcast'. Daniel explains how he uses laughter in his life to overcome challenges and he offers advise to listeners as to how they might invite more laughter into their life, as well as the lives of their loved ones.

We discuss the challenges of competing against explicit comedy podcasts and how Daniel compares the laughter which is obtained through unoffensive means as being akin to a nice slow roast, while a quick crude laugh is more like a microwave meal. In Daniel's opinion, it's quicker and easier, but it doesn't offer as much quality.

]]>Daniel J Lewis is the host of 'The Ramen Noodle - Clean Comedy Podcast', in addition to being the host of the award winning show 'The Audacity to Podcast'. Daniel explains how he uses laughter in his life to overcome challenges and he offers advise to listeners as to how they might invite more laughter into their life, as well as the lives of their loved ones.

We discuss the challenges of competing against explicit comedy podcasts and how Daniel compares the laughter which is obtained through unoffensive means as being akin to a nice slow roast, while a quick crude laugh is more like a microwave meal. In Daniel's opinion, it's quicker and easier, but it doesn't offer as much quality.

]]>35:05no5: Laughter in the classroomFri, 21 Nov 2014 13:31:58 +0000Today's guest is Niall Mulvey, principal of St. Brendan's National school in the beautiful seaside town of Loughshinny, Co. Dublin. Niall has been working in Loughshinny for 25 years and has always embraced laughter in the classroom. In this episode we explore how to combine laughter and learning as well as the joys of working with children.]]>Today's guest is Niall Mulvey, principal of St. Brendan's National school in the beautiful seaside town of Loughshinny, Co. Dublin. Niall has been working in Loughshinny for 25 years and has always embraced laughter in the classroom. In this episode we explore how to combine laughter and learning as well as the joys of working with children.]]>25:08noschool,education,teaching,learning,laughter4: Increasing the world's 'Laughter Quotient' with Lynn NelsonFri, 31 Oct 2014 12:21:07 +0000Lynn discusses her book, Seriously Laugh: The life you save might be your own. She summarises her favourite tips on how to bring laughter into your life and she tells me about her work to bring laughter to the elderly through her 'Patch Works' foundation. I also learn about her crowd funding project, to help her complete her PhD in psychology - specialising in the study of laughter as a tool to enhance well-being. ]]>Lynn discusses her book, Seriously Laugh: The life you save might be your own. She summarises her favourite tips on how to bring laughter into your life and she tells me about her work to bring laughter to the elderly through her 'Patch Works' foundation. I also learn about her crowd funding project, to help her complete her PhD in psychology - specialising in the study of laughter as a tool to enhance well-being. ]]>32:07no3: 'Life Is Crap' with Paul WheelerThu, 23 Oct 2014 19:24:39 +0000Paul Weeler is co-founder and co-director of an hilarious clothing apparel and merchandise company called 'Life Is Crap'. Paul tells me about how a chance incident, whilst trapped in a British Pub, due to a 2cm snowfall, led to the brainwave of creating a company to parody the popular U.S. brand 'Life Is Good'. Paul describes how the company has evolved and how he takes the company motto 'Life is crap and laughter is the cure' to heart, putting it into action in his daily life. ]]>Paul Weeler is co-founder and co-director of an hilarious clothing apparel and merchandise company called 'Life Is Crap'. Paul tells me about how a chance incident, whilst trapped in a British Pub, due to a 2cm snowfall, led to the brainwave of creating a company to parody the popular U.S. brand 'Life Is Good'. Paul describes how the company has evolved and how he takes the company motto 'Life is crap and laughter is the cure' to heart, putting it into action in his daily life. ]]>21:00clean2: Comedy without laughter & with snobbery - Dr. Sam Friedman Thu, 23 Oct 2014 19:21:35 +0000In addition to being Assistant Professor in Sociology at London School of Economics, Sam Friedman is a comedy reviewer and publisher of his own arts review magazine 'Fest'. Sam describes what he has learned from his experiences, both as a reviewer and as a researcher at the internationally acclaimed Edinburgh comedy festival. Amongst other things, he tells me about comedy snobbery, why attending some comedy gigs is like sitting an exam and why some people think that laughing is not befitting of them. ]]>In addition to being Assistant Professor in Sociology at London School of Economics, Sam Friedman is a comedy reviewer and publisher of his own arts review magazine 'Fest'. Sam describes what he has learned from his experiences, both as a reviewer and as a researcher at the internationally acclaimed Edinburgh comedy festival. Amongst other things, he tells me about comedy snobbery, why attending some comedy gigs is like sitting an exam and why some people think that laughing is not befitting of them. ]]>34:24clean1: Dr Madan Kataria on Laughter YogaThu, 23 Oct 2014 19:15:55 +0000In this episode I learn about Laughter Yoga, from the man who created it - Dr. Madan Kataria. We discuss what inspired him to create it, whether it is laughter, or social and psychological factors which help in people's healing and we talk about how Laughter Yoga has changed his life and the lives of people around him.]]>In this episode I learn about Laughter Yoga, from the man who created it - Dr. Madan Kataria. We discuss what inspired him to create it, whether it is laughter, or social and psychological factors which help in people's healing and we talk about how Laughter Yoga has changed his life and the lives of people around him.]]>31:08clean